The first UFC title change of 2025 occurred Saturday at UFC 313 when Magomed Ankalaev dethroned Alex Pereira of the light heavyweight belt in the main event.
Ankalaev (21-1-1 MMA, 12-1-1 UFC) made good on his elusive shot at gold when he outpointed Pereira (12-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) by unanimous decision at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, marking the end of a magical “Poatan” run atop the weight class.
Given what Pereira accomplished during his reign, talk of an immediate rematch sprung up the moment UFC CEO Dana White wrapped the belt around Ankalaev’s waist.
Will it happen, though, or should the promotion go a different direction with its new champ?
Watch the video above for thoughts and analysis on the future for both Ankalaev and Pereira in the fallout of UFC 313.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 313.
